Interesting facts about rose hips and their effects

"A little man stands in the forest, very still and mute... … tell me, who could this little man be, standing alone in the woods?"

Who doesn't know this traditional children's song by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben? Hardly anyone has gone through childhood without encountering or having to learn this riddle song. Hoffmann von Fallersleben himself revealed the answer to the riddle 14 years after writing the song, when he added another verse. "It can only be the rosehip!"

Interesting facts about the rosehip

As the fruit of various wild rose species, our little man is a true globetrotter. Originally native to Europe and Asia, it can now be found all over the world. It even thrives at higher altitudes up to 1,500 meters, as long as it gets enough sunlight. The name itself describes its appearance quite well, as it comes from the colloquial words "Hag" and "Butzen," which in standard German means "dense thicket." However, the exact origin of the name is still debated. After a short blooming period in June, the resulting fruit ripens in late summer and fall. It generally doesn't reach full maturity before October or November. The fruits harvested at this time, which are classified as aggregate nut fruits, usually shine in a vibrant red. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at what's hidden beneath that red skin.

Still and mute? Does the rosehip really have so little to offer?

We generally associate being quiet and silent with being reserved, introverted, or lacking in self-confidence. But are these traits or characteristics that must apply to the rose hip? The answer is a definite no! The rose hip has a lot to offer, both culinarily, from a health perspective, and even as a childhood prank. As kids, we used the many seeds found inside the rose hip as a natural and inexpensive itching powder. No one on the playground was safe from becoming the next victim of such a prank. But far more interesting—and pleasant—are the numerous and very positive qualities that rose hips can offer us in terms of nutrition and health. Of particular interest here is the effect of rose hips on our health.

The many ways rose hips can be used in the kitchen

Although you can enjoy rose hips raw, they are most often used in prepared dishes. Frequently as puree or jam, but also as a filling in cakes and pastries. You’ll even find them as a flavoring for game dishes or as a sweet soup in recipe collections. Just as common, however, is their use in beverages—especially tea, but also as liqueur or fruit wine. Less well known, but just as interesting, is the use of the seeds, from which oil for skin care is extracted.

Health aspects and effects of rose hips

When it comes to health, the rose hip truly has a lot to offer. The high vitamin C content alone should make the rose hip brim with self-confidence. Most people immediately think of the immune system—and they’re right, since vitamin C is indeed the most important water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Additionally, vitamin C stimulates the production of leukocytes, boosting the body’s defense against pathogens and harmful substances. [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]

Another, perhaps less well-known benefit of vitamin C—and therefore of rose hips—is its role in the prevention of heart and vascular diseases. As an antioxidant, it protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This is significant because oxidized LDL can trigger inflammation that can promote atherosclerotic deposits on blood vessel walls. [8,9]

The important role of vitamin C is also highlighted by its impact on our joints, skin, and teeth. When it comes to the musculoskeletal system, it scores twice: on the one hand, vitamin C found in rose hips has been shown to have a positive effect on bone mineral density; on the other, vitamin C supports the formation of collagen. The latter is a particularly interesting approach regarding the degeneration and regeneration of cartilage tissue and the possible development or manifestation of osteoarthritis. The invaluable role of vitamin C for the musculoskeletal system—especially in cases of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis—should not be underestimated. Here too, rose hips, thanks to their vitamin C content, are a valuable addition to a range of sensible measures. [10,11,12]

Finally, let’s take a look at one of our most important senses—if not the most important: our eyesight, our eyes. Studies have shown that antioxidants like vitamin C can delay or reduce the onset of age-related retinal diseases. Degeneration or clouding can be prevented or at least delayed. [13,14]

Other fascinating components of rose hips include the carotenoid lycopene, which is of interest as a preventive measure in the development of osteoporosis or degenerative changes in the retina. In addition to vitamin C, rose hips are also rich in vitamin B complexes and the minerals calcium and magnesium. These latter nutrients are essential for the heart, bones, and muscles.

Our conclusion on the quiet little rose hip and its health benefits

As a valuable source of the highly potent and versatile vitamin C, the rose hip should be shouting its positive effects on our health from the rooftops! Rose hips and their ingredients offer a wealth of health benefits, and especially the high concentration of vitamin C makes them an indispensable companion for well-being.

Far too often, we walk right past rose hips without a second thought, barely noticing them or giving them the appreciation they deserve. Yet rose hips are worthy of much more attention. They offer us culinary delights, health benefits, and, last but not least, a bit of fun from our childhoods.

A little guy that packs a punch!

Sources

• [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16118650/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20A%20randomized%2C%20controlled%205,severity%20of%20the%20common%20cold
• [2] https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/26/2/257
• [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1578094/
• [4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12201356/
• [5] https://mayoclinic.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/cellular-immune-responses-to-vitamin-c-supplementation-in-ageing-
• [6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531705807997
• [7] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM197401032900102
• [8] https://journals.lww.com/coronary-artery/abstract/1998/09050/ascorbic_acid_inhibits_the_increase_in_low_density.2.aspx
• [9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10521368/
• [10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11149477/
• [11] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10636366/#:~:text=Interpretation%3A%20This%20prospective%2C%20double%2D,of%20RSD%20after%20wrist%20fractures
• [12] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8630116/
• [13] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10389028/
• [14] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523180245?via%3Dihub